Thursday, July 16, 2009

Today, Thursday, is the last day of the All Star break. Where exactly do the Boston Red Sox stand with 75 games remaining in their 2009 season? Their record of 54-34 is the best in the American League, but with those 75 games left until postseason play, a closer look at the team is warranted.

The starting rotation is anchored by two of the best in baseball, Josh Beckett and Jon Lester. So far, so good. Tim Wakefield has been a revelation, but the big question is this...can he keep up this blistering pace for two and a half more months. Brad Penny hasn't pitched many more innings than he did last year. John Smoltz, who has yet to go more than five innings, is a work in progress but a guy I expect second half wonders from. I really do. Clay Buchholz, who will start Friday night in Toronto, is waiting in the wings. If the Sox deem it necessary, they will go to a 6 man rotation to give the starters more rest in the latter part of the season. Josh Beckett will NOT be happy about that...he wants the ball every fifth day, no ifs, ands or buts. He'll get over it IF, and that's a huge if, Boston decides to take that route. Will they go after Halladay? Nobody knows but the trade deadline is coming up soon.

I think the bullpen, which still has the lowest ERA of all of 'em in the American league, is fatigued. I'm fairly certain that the four days off will help immensely. With Bay, Drew, Jacoby and Rocco in the outfield, we're in good shape, but an injury of any kind could change everything. Let's hope that doesn't occur. The left side of the infield remains iffy, with shortstop play hit and miss and Mike Lowell just ready to return after his hip refurbishment. Pedey is the best at second and so is Youk at first, IF he can go back there.

My goodness, time flies. I'll be back later today or first thing in the morning with the conclusion to this rambling (not?) team diagnosis. Have a great Thursday as we continue our slide towards the weekend and as always, BE WELL. You can click on the title of this post for more Sox stuff and your comments are ALWAYS welcome. See ya.

2 Comments:

I have heard some rumblings about Scott Rolen. You think there is anything to this? You are right about the left side. Rolen would be a nice addition. Like you said we will know soon enough. We definately need starters to go deeper into games to save the bullpen. Everytime the bullpen gives up the lead it is usually when they have to pitch 4 innings. Well lets hope the second half will be as good or better than the first.One more day...

It all depends on what they're going or not going to do with Halladay and the health of Mikey Lowell. But there will be moves made before July 31st. I SO much would like to see Youk back where he belongs, at first base.

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